Masand's verdict: Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

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Rajdeep Sardesai

26/11: Terror comes precariously close

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Few writers have such solid control over their screenplay as Karan Johar does. Few understand the intricacies of narrative as well as he does. Johar goes from highs to lows, from plateaus to peaks with the ease of a pro. He knows exactly how to turn a seemingly ordinary scene into something special with just that one line of dialogue, or that hint of background music.

Just watch how he builds the tension in that scene where both Rani and Preity approach Shah Rukh from across the road, both unaware of the other's presence. Or the scene at the opera where Shah Rukh is overcome with jealosy when he watches Abhishek exercise his conjugal rights on Rani.

But if you're looking for vintage Karan Johar, then it's that scene where Shah Rukh convinces Rani that they're made for each other because they both love the colour blue. And subsequently the colour coordinated song that follows.

If there's something that jars, then it's the puerile comedy in the film's first hour involving a child kidnapper and a case of mistaken identities. That episode plays out much longer than needed, and only adds to the film's length.

But for real laughs, there's a priceless scene around Rani and some S&M gear she slips into to spice up her marriage. There's also a childish but hilarious nonetheless scene of Shah Rukh and Rani suspecting their respective spouses of infidelity.

Unarguably the film's central source of comedy is Amitabh Bachchan playing Abhishek's randy father with a voracious sexual appetite. His racy dialogue makes you turn beetroot red with embarrassment, but you're also fighting hard to suppress your giggles.

While it's bold and treads new ground as far as Karan Johar's themes are concerned, the film also relies heavily on trademark Johar dependables like eye-watering cinematography, impeccable production design and extravagantly filmed songs. And therein lies the real risk and ultimately the real success of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna - Johar tackles an uncomfortable premise but very much within the parameters of your masala Bollywood potboiler and with all the trappings in place.

Sadly, that also means one must revisit that crazy world where coincidences are commonplace and characters in love can sense each other's comings-and-goings through telepathy.